Locking flex head ratchets

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

They are often in the real deals flyer for ~50% off. The flyer is quarterly IIRC. The prices vary quite a bit but when they get serious about moving inventory the prices can be very appealing.

How do I go about getting alerted to deals?

 

[Wamsutta]

Ratchet is FOD.

You mean it can't be disassembled? That would **** big time.

 

[Tallpilot]

How do I go about getting alerted to deals?

I’m not aware of an email system. Just go here each month.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/promotions/real-deals

 

[mr.lemons]

You mean it can't be disassembled? That would **** big time.

They can be disassembled. Back plate prys off after removing a split pin rather than held in with screws.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

How do ez red compare to carlyle?

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I ordered 3 out of 4 locking ratchets napa offered. Going to wait until the 3/8 long goes on sale.

 

[Citation]

What about a roto head ratchet instead of a flex head? I've got both and find the roto is just much nicer to use. You can quickly convert to "screw driver" mode and because the handle's pivot crosses the axis of the socket, it doesn't tend to fold on you the way a flex head can. The down side is the head is larger. For weekend worriers look for the Crescent 1/4+3/8 drive set on ebay for about $30. The same tools were sold by Napa (branded as Napa) and Gearwrench.

 

[MagnusM4]

What about a roto head ratchet instead of a flex head? I've got both and find the roto is just much nicer to use. You can quickly convert to "screw driver" mode and because the handle's pivot crosses the axis of the socket, it doesn't tend to fold on you the way a flex head can. The down side is the head is larger. For weekend worriers look for the Crescent 1/4+3/8 drive set on ebay for about $30. The same tools were sold by Napa (branded as Napa) and Gearwrench.

For a 1/4” ratchet I do honestly prefer a roto head for the reasons you listed. For a 3/8 drive it’s kind of a toss up and I just use a locking flex head, even though I have a 3/8 roto. With 1/2 drive there’s no point in a roto head in my opinion.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Now you tell me, jk. Lol. I've grown accustom to using a flex head as you describe with the roto head. More so like turning a crank. Once I get that flex head I'm missing I'll be happy [emoji1787]

 

[jsmeece]

In some very tight areas, a roto head is still too big. Had to change the cooling fan actuator recently, 1/4 roto head was hitting other components, my 1/4 flexhead ratchet saved the day.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Should be here Tuesday!

 

[Wamsutta]

Should be here Tuesday!

What have you tried previously to compare them to? Have you ever tried a Snap-on 80 tooth ratchet?

 

[Mr_B]

the carlyle roto heads quite nice .
i do like roto head in 1/4 and 3/8

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What have you tried previously to compare them to? Have you ever tried a Snap-on 80 tooth ratchet?

I don't believe so, but I may have. The shop box had a mix of Matco, Cornell & snap on. I actually demolished the teeth on a snap on ratchet removing a caliper. I like the way Matco does their ratchets.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I got the ratchets. I would have to say they actually have more back drag than my gw 120xp do.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have 4 dual 80s. None are locking flex though. When I bought the first one new, I didn't see what the hype was. Because the ratchet was longer than my other 3/8s ratchets I used it often. After a few months of use, the back drag is comparable to my SKs. That ratchet grew to be one of my favorites and seems to get better with use.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Question. Do you guys think that the looking 3/8" locking flex ratchet will go on sale for October or should I just buy it now? I don't know how NAPA usually does their sales.

 

[Odd-job]

Question. Do you guys think that the looking 3/8" locking flex ratchet will go on sale for October or should I just buy it now? I don't know how NAPA usually does their sales.

You might get lucky waiting for the next quarterly real deals to come out Oct 1st and then get real lucky if it is on sale. Slim chances although I did score the spark plug ratchet for under $30 during Q1. Other than that wait for the 20% bucket sales if your Napa even follows the corporate sales. Also check the classifieds. One of the members has a bunch of ratchets for sale. I got these from him.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The one I'm looking for is CHT R38LFLQR

 

[Citation]

You might get lucky waiting for the next quarterly real deals to come out Oct 1st and then get real lucky if it is on sale. Slim chances although I did score the spark plug ratchet for under $30 during Q1. Other than that wait for the 20% bucket sales if your Napa even follows the corporate sales. Also check the classifieds. One of the members has a bunch of ratchets for sale. I got these from him.

Looking at those I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same OEM as some of the Kobalt ratchets. The reduced head sized ratchets really look similar but I don't think Lowes offers the locking flex head.

 

[Odd-job]

The one I'm looking for is CHT R38LFLQR

Sounds like you want the longer long version. I am looking for one too .

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Sounds like you want the longer long version. I am looking for one too .

Yes sir

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Can get for $62.39 right now. Good price, or do they do better with a sale?

 

[Szilagyi]

I picked up the 3/8 yesterday, and ordered the 1/4 and 1/2 online. Unfortunately I didn't realize the 3/8 had a longer version available, but even the standard is longer than most 3/8 ratchets. I find the quality good, and I like the locking mechanism. The drag is pretty high compared to all of my other ratchets, all of which are old usa made ones, but I guess I'll get used to it. The quick release is very fast and smooth, and the reverse lever is nice and firm. Also it appears repair kits are available. Overall I think they're a good value when you can get 3 for the price of one Snappy and they have a lifetime warranty.

 

[Mr_B]

^
after a bit of break in use, strip them and lube with red lithium and 2 or 3 drops of atf .
night and day difference after that.
I use mine daily though and they had good month use break them in before lubing .
Nice usable ratchet and fair price when on a deal .

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Should I jump on that price for the long 3/8 or wait to see sale price? 20% off $78 right now.

 

[1foxracing]

^ The 4th Quarter Real Deals should start Oct 1st but I have no idea what will be on sale. The only good one this year so far was the 1st Quarter sale.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Couldn't help myself. I ordered it with 20% off

 

[Odd-job]

Couldn't help myself. I ordered it with 20% off

Not a bad price. I am trying to hold off, but will probably be waiting for a while.

 

[Mr_B]

yeh that a fair price , real deal prices been poor this year so 20% off fair offer to take.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Got the last one! I hate needing to have every piece of a collection lol. I'll probably use the one I just got the most.

 

[Szilagyi]

I put some use on my Carlyle 3/8 today putting a new modified header on my Honda motorcycle, and wow I never realized I would like a flex head so much. This is the first one I have used and I found maybe 8 different times when I was able to bend the head and avoid having to turn the front wheel, re-position myself or take something else off the bike. I see myself grabbing this one for everything now. I gotta get some koken universal joints and I'll be getting into all kinds of nooks and crannies.